Fundraising

Funding for museums may be provided from local authorities, private companies, charitable trusts, regional museum councils, central government etc. Some funding sources will provide only small amounts while others are major funders of building and long-term projects. There are also funds for specific events or celebrations which are provided as a one-off opportunity. Increasingly it is necessary to make a formal and detailed bid for these available funds. This throws up a number of issues and problems.

The money available cannot always be used for the purposes you may have, and every pot of money has restrictions as to amount, use, longevity, repeat bids, evidential requirements etc. Applying for this funding can take a lot of time, and you need to be careful to present your bid in the most favourable possible light since you will inevitably be up against strong competition.

Normally a bid to fund learning services will need to show:
* It meets a specific need
* It will bring measurable benefits
* It will increase access to learning and cultural heritage
* Is achievable
* Is cost effective and sustainable
* Has a clearly defined timetable

Most funding bodies will cover project costs but will often not cover the cost of salaries, especially if you are already in post, although you may be able to find the cost of paying someone who has been a volunteer to provide a more reliable service.

Most funds will be for a specific project or for a limited period of time – perhaps one or two years – after which it is expected that the service will become self-sustaining, and you will have to provide some evidence or forward planning showing this to be the case. For long-term projects like the development of education services, funds are normally paid in instalments on receipt of proof that the service is actually in place. This normally requires regular reports. Funds for smaller projects, for example an art project based on a short term exhibition, are usually in the form of a one-off payment, paid in arrears on receipt of paperwork, paid invoices and evaluation, which will normally cover all expenses including the cost of bringing in an artist to work with children or adults. These types of funds are generally much easier to obtain but they do not allow for the long-term development of sustainable services.

It can be difficult for small museums to put together a successful bid due to the time involved and the lack of experience. It is also difficult tracking down all the sources of funding available. While some organisations are very successful at attracting funding this is normally because they have professional fundraisers and more staff resources. If you can find a way of working with other organisations you may have more success. Partnership projects are very popular with funders, and other organisations may have more resources and man-power to draw on.
Applications for larger amounts, and sometimes smaller amounts, often require match funding. It can be tricky finding two funding sources with the same criteria or the same timescale but it can be done. Again, read the criteria carefully because some specify that they do NOT match fund other sources. Match funding does not have to be in monetary terms. Volunteer time, existing paid staff time, existing resources and a proportion of on-going expenses can all be classed as match funding if it can be shown to be part of the service you want to develop. Advice on what you can include as ‘in-kind’ match funding and how to present your case is best sought from an experienced fund-raiser.

Advice on finding the right funds and how to apply is available. Local museums groups can help with this as can SWMLAC, local community groups (try asking your district council for a list) and regional Museum Development Officers. Try to get some advice on preparing your case before you put in a bid because some funds restrict re-application within a certain time period. Some funding agencies have help-lines or allow you to send an outline of your plan before the full bid is submitted so they can inform you quickly if your idea is likely to be accepted or whether you need to change the focus of the bid to suit their criteria. This can save a lot of wasted time and effort.

SOURCES OF FUNDING

Some useful places to start looking for funds are listed below but remember that new funds are being started all the time, while existing funders change their criteria in response to external factors. Keep a file of all the funding bodies you identify and what they will fund. It will be a useful tool for future projects.

SWMLAC Funding Database
www.swmlac.org.uk

The National Lottery (Heritage Lottery Fund & Awards for All)
www.hlf.org.uk

Funderfinder
www.funderfinder.org.uk

Group for Education in Museums (GEM)
www.gem.org.uk

Some local organisations may also have information for community and charity groups. You may be able to track down this type of information through your local council or in libraries. For example Cornwall Rural Community Council produces a pack of Charitable Trusts and other funds with information about each one and contact details. They can be contacted on:
www.cornwallrcc.co.uk

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